Comments on: They’ve met before

By: ITALIA RITA

ITALIA RITA — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 17:42:41 +0000

I LOVE FRENCH GUYS
ZIDANE SO HOT
THANK YOU LES BLEUX

By: franceses pidiculus

franceses pidiculus — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 14:55:47 +0000

The french were obviouly better than portugal, but if anyone dived in the game were the french, and the comments thay said before the game in interviews only show the poorness that france have when it comes to education and respect. I can now see why they are considered the less clean people first world countries.
Any way, best of luck for the french…..and remember italy its not portugal….they have a litle somenthing called “mafia” so your are not going to have the same luck with the referees!!!!!!

By: Dave Hamilton

Dave Hamilton — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:45:38 +0000

The stage is nearly set for a World Cup final that I believe will bring the two best coaches on the national side stage together this Sunday, Lippi and Scolari. It is no accident that these two will probably meet, although the Italians clearly had some help from the ref against Australia (but may have won anyway).

Lippi is going with essentially the same kind of set he did when he was Juve’s boss in the 90s, placing Totti behind his strike force for service (something Ericsson could have learned when he isolated poor Rooney up front the other day) as well as a green light to penetrate and shoot anytime he likes. I expect Lippi will stay with that 4-4-1-1 in the final and Camoranesi will remain very active on the wings, aided by Pirlo coming forward as needed (not something Trappy would have been familiar with in 2002); Gattuso won’t come forward, as he is a defending midfielder exclusively. Gilardino and Del Piero will again probably be wisely held in reserve for late-strike energy and a shootout (if necessary) while the point man for much of the contest will be hard-working Toni, who can present a lot of problems even to a defense as staunch as Portugal’s. Cannavaro is the defender of the Cup so far, and Zambrotta, Zaccardo and if available, Nesta, along with Buffon, are incredibly tough to score on, especially if they jump out on top.

I don’t want to break down in much detail what I think Portugal might do for a theoretical match, but although Scolari can be remarkably flexible in his alignments, he does like that 4-2-3-1 with wingers Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo supporting Pauleta. Costinha returns, and if he behaves himself tonight, he and Maniche will have holding duties but may will be able to move forward on occasion while Deco directs matters on both sides of the center stripe. With decent protection of their formidable back four and the continued performance of the tournament’s best keeper Ricardo, Portugal will be as stingy as Italy with goals. I look for Portugal to claim a 1-0 win tonight, and it might not any different on Sunday against Italy.

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com

By: Fiffers

Fiffers — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:11:48 +0000

Well one more thing, I saw some nice comments from people of US, Canada and many others countries here, that’s nice. let’s keep it that way

By: Fiffers

Fiffers — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:07:06 +0000

And to the Portuguese fans who have had to endure the trolls from Canada and US, you are welcome here

By: Fiffers

Fiffers — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:01:25 +0000

Thank you OGrandeTrinco

This will be a great game I am sure. Zizou and Figo are good friends, i think that will count for the spirit of the game.

Respect to all!

By: Smelly Cat

Smelly Cat — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:48:09 +0000

I think that Zidane and Figo will play the match of their lives.

I hope that both of them change shirts and that they be applauded by all the people on their feet after A Great Match

By: OGrandeTrinco

OGrandeTrinco — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:30:13 +0000

Apolgies from a knowledgeable Canadian to the majority of the French fans who are showing their class on this blog and to the Portuguese fans who have had to endure the trolls from Canada and US.

Let me say that the media coverage on ABC/ESPN has been absolutely shamefull and to a lesser extent here in Canada on TSN. So many of these ignorants are swayed by terrible media and well some are just sour, negative people.

It will be either Figo’s or Zidane’s last important match (3rd yeah yeah whatever), lets hope they show the world a jogo bonito!

Joga Bonito Portugal + France!

By: yep!

yep! — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 20:53:28 +0000

Hey guys, great post!
For the upcoming Fr-Porto, I am worried about the referee, he officiated US-Italy, and if you remember, he was a trigger-happy type of referee, I am afraid he will give yellows and red(s), and ultimately kill the game like he did with US-Italy…that would be too bad!

By: Kidd

Kidd — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 18:25:36 +0000

Shuai: Choucroute is a cooking speciality from Alsace(France)
But I will get a lot of weissbier and chianti in my fridge for Sunday !